2017 ScheduleAll times ET

2017 Schedule
6-10, 4th in NFC South
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Cam needs to find McCaffrey on check-downs (1:06)

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Offensive tackle Michael Oher hasn't been at the voluntary portion of the Panthers' OTAs and there is no indication he will participate. A league source told ESPN earlier this week that Oher will return for the mandatory June 13-15 minicamp and plans to play for Carolina this season if cleared from the concussion protocol. Here's what coach Ron Rivera said about whether Oher will be here for the minicamp. "That's the only thing that's mandatory, so we'll see what happens from that point. As it stands, he's still in the protocol and as I've told you guys I'm not going to talk about guys in the protocol anymore."

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Carolina coach Ron Rivera said wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has done everything the team has asked to get his weight under control. "A lot was made about his weight early on. I thought that was unfair because this is all voluntary. He's worked himself into shape. His route running has been very sharp. His ball catching has been real good. The other day he made a spectacular one-handed catch over the middle that shows you what he's capable of doing.''

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers center Ryan Kalil says it is a "weird flashback" when he looks across the line and sees 37-year-old defensive end Julius Peppers, who re-signed during the offseason with the team that selected him No. 2 overall in 2002.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers coach Ron Rivera likes where wide receiver Kelvin.Benjamin is with his conditioning now. Says Julius Peppers was held out today with soreness.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers coach Ron Rivera wishes the NFL would take a look at changing the rule that is keeping first-round pick Christian McCaffrey from attending OTAs. Says if a player chooses not to enroll in classes he should be allowed to work with the team. The former Stanford star can't work out with Carolina until mid-June when Stanford's school year ends.

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David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly says he is finished talking about concussions. Doesn't think about having another.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

The Panthers will carry DE Efe Obada from London on the practice squad this season. He is a part of the NFL's international pathway program.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess, who rolled an ankle on Wednesday, is not practicing today.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

One way Panthers quarterback Cam Newton stays involved during OTAs is with footwork drills like this.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is staying involved in the offense even though he is not allowed to throw.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has been in the spotlight this offseason for being a "little overweight" but his goal is to be in the best shape of his career.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Derek Anderson, the first to arrive, is the Panthers' starting quarterback during OTAs while Cam Newton rehabs from rotator cuff surgery. Newton has been doing footwork drills and conditioning on the side.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess left the field on a golf cart on Wednesday with what the team website called a rolled ankle. Linebacker Luke Kuechly was held out of team drills as a precaution because of tightness in his lower back. Rookie wide receiver Curtis Samuel did not attend for the second straight day for what the website called "personal reasons."

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

In the letter NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent to fans on Tuesday citing celebrations that won't be penalized in 2017 he used a Kelvin Benjamin-Devin Funchess celebration during the Panthers' Week 2 win against San Francisco last season. Benjamin and Funchess each were docked $12,154 for their orchestrated dance after Benjamin's third-quarter touchdown catch. If you missed the dance, it began with Benjamin doing a little side-step move and his fellow wide receiver joined in. Funchess was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports
2dDavid Newton

Panthers' best acquisition: Christian McCaffrey

The Panthers are essentially getting four players in one with McCaffrey's ability to line up at running back, slot receiver, wide receiver and return punts.

Jeff Siner/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire
2dDavid Newton

Source: Panthers' Oher plans on minicamp

Panthers OT Michael Oher, who has yet to be cleared from the concussion protocol, plans to attend mandatory minicamp in June, a source told ESPN.

David Newton ESPN Staff Writer 

The most notable missing from the Panthers' first day of voluntary OTAs as players left the field were offensive tackle Michael Oher and running back Christian McCaffrey. No surprise on McCaffrey, who can't join the team until Stanford's school year ends even though he no longer is in school. Oher has been in the concussion protocol since late September and has not been in Charlotte for voluntary conditioning prior to this. Quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) and defensive end Charles Johnson (back) were in attendance after having offseason surgery.

Team Stats

Passing Yards230.3Tied-21st
Rushing Yards113.410th
Points For23.115th
Points Against25.126th

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